SPIEL 2024 in Essen attracts tens of thousands of fans from all over the world. As different as the visitors may be, they are united by a common hobby: a passion for board games. You can see that at the tables.
The organizers expect just over 200.000 fans to come to Essen over the four days of the fair – the large number of people ultimately has only one goal: to experience board games.
Even if it sometimes seems different in the halls: In the Ruhr metropolis, the days of SPIEL are not primarily about the goods on the shelves, but about the people at the tables. During their preparations for the fair, the publishers and authors put in a huge amount of effort to give fans from all over the world the opportunity to experience shared moments with good games. In the halls, it is therefore primarily about emotions. What you can see: concentration, surprise, amazement, joy.
The Mass as a Symbol for Playing
Ultimately, the Essen trade fair stands for the fact that playing enriches life. Psychology attributes positive effects to age-appropriate playing. Emotional competence is improved, problem-solving is easier and people who play regularly have greater resilience in their everyday lives. This counteracts stress and ultimately ensures that people can go through life healthier because they are more resilient. In studies, researchers have found that resilient people are more optimistic and have more drive and energy.
Because people’s gaming behavior differs, there is a need for a wide range of offers. This is exactly what the GAME in EssenWith around 1.500 new products in one year, there is plenty to choose from. Lots of pots and lots of lids.
So everything is good in Essen? Mostly. Here and there you can feel negative vibes. In the queues in front of the stalls, on the streets and in the parking lots, at the main train station or in front of the washrooms, or when the currywurst and chips are sold with the usual trade fair markup and the price stings for a moment. But that is often quickly forgotten, because the way to the next gaming table is usually not far.
To ensure that things run smoothly at the trade fair and at the tables, you need people who are committed to board games and caring. Fans often appreciate exactly that: "The enthusiasm of the exhibitors and promoters is always great," says a Facebook user who has visited the trade fair with children. "We had two really great days at the fair."
Another comment: "I have to give a big compliment to the organization of the game this year. On a Saturday afternoon, I'm sitting in the gallery, so beautifully spaced out and so much space to look and walk around... really great."
Others are already hoping that the organizers will set up the beer tent sets again next year. Online ticket sales worked well for the most part and ensured that everything went smoothly without long waits for entry. The parking situation was tight in places, but overall it wasn't a major problem. At Essen Central Station, the subway trains always filled up quickly, but at peak times the vehicles ran every few minutes. The halls were full, but the wider aisles meant that fans had a lot more space. The otherwise usual crowds were at least reduced. "It was really great yesterday, everyone was nice and friendly," reads a message on Facebook. People would love to come back. And: "Cheers to e-tickets, do a little something for our planet."
Others expected different things, but everything turned out well: “We were there yesterday and were also positively surprised at how well it went.”
Of course there is criticism - everywhere and about everything: parking spaces, food, prices, traffic, tickets, halls, space, sales, time. It is impossible to please everyone. Ultimately, a trade fair also means showing a willingness to compromise, to be content, to let others go first, to take a step back. For the community. In the end, that is what SPIEL stands for: a big, shared celebration, from which everyone should make the best for themselves and not automatically get the best in every situation.
| # | Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Bomb Busters* |
26,99 EUR |
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| 2 |
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Pegasus Spiele 51240G Village Romance *Game of the Year 2023*...* |
24,99 EUR |
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| 3 |
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Edition Playground Pegasus/Playground 59060G MicroMacro: Crime...* |
9,99 EUR |
* = Affiliate link/advertisementAs an Amazon Associate, we earn money from qualifying purchases. If you make a purchase through one of the links, we receive a portion of the purchase price as commission. This doesn't cost you anything extra, but it helps support our website. Last updated on September 14.12.2025, XNUMX / Affiliate links / Images from the Amazon Product Advertising API. Images from Amazon PA API.
